Dog calorie calculator
Estimate how many calories your dog needs each day, and turn that into cups of food, using the same RER and MER formulas vets use.
Estimated daily calories
854
kcal per day
How the dog calorie calculator works
Every dog has a resting energy requirement, the calories it burns just staying alive at rest. The formula is 70 times body weight in kilograms raised to the power of 0.75. We then multiply that by a life-stage factor to estimate the maintenance energy requirement, which is what your dog actually needs across a normal day of walks, play, and rest.
The life-stage factor reflects how active and how hungry your dog is. Growing puppies burn far more energy per pound than adults, intact dogs need a little more than neutered dogs, and seniors or dogs on a diet need less. Choosing the right stage is the single biggest thing that changes the result, so pick the one that matches your dog today.
To turn calories into cups, enter the calories per cup printed on your food bag. Treats count too, and should stay under about 10 percent of daily calories. This is a starting estimate; monitor your dog's body condition over a few weeks and adjust, ideally with input from your vet. Curious how old your dog is in human years? Try our dog age calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How many calories does my dog need per day?
It depends on weight and life stage. A typical neutered adult dog needs its resting energy requirement multiplied by about 1.6. This tool works out that resting requirement from your dog's weight, then applies the right multiplier for puppies, adults, seniors, or weight loss.
How is the calorie estimate calculated?
We start with the resting energy requirement (RER), which is 70 times body weight in kilograms raised to the power of 0.75. We then multiply RER by a life-stage factor to get the maintenance energy requirement (MER), the calories your dog needs in a normal day. These are the same formulas used in veterinary nutrition.
How do I turn calories into cups of food?
Find the calorie content on your dog food bag, usually listed as kcal per cup or kcal per kg. Enter the kcal per cup into the optional field and the calculator divides daily calories by that number to estimate cups per day. Always split the total across your dog's normal number of meals.
My dog is overweight. How many calories for weight loss?
For safe weight loss, pick the 'needs to lose weight' option, which uses a lower multiplier based on ideal body weight rather than current weight. Crash dieting is risky, especially for cats, so plan any weight-loss program with your veterinarian.
More free tools
Browse all free pet calculators, or check ingredients in our ingredient guide.
Know what's in the bowl, too
Pawpoy reads any pet food label and gives you a clear, pet-specific safety read in seconds. Free to start, no card required.
Scan your first label freeThis calculator gives general guidance only, not veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian for medical decisions about your pet.